In Cleveland, hope dies last

Cavs looking to make a deal?

Apparently, the Cavs may not be willing to settle for having the No. 1 and No. 4 pick in next month’s NBA draft.

According to ESPN, “sources” say the Cavaliers are in discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons about a three-team trade that would give Cleveland the top two picks of next month’s NBA draft.

Wait, it gets better.

The Cavs would reportedly use their $14.6 million trade exception to trade for Detroit’s Rip Hamilton and also receive the Pistons’ first-round pick, No. 8.

The Cavs would then send the No. 8 pick and the No. 4 pick to Minnesota for the Timberwolves’ pick, No. 2.

Finally, the Cavs would buy Hamilton out of the last two years of his contract, which calls for him to make $25 million.

So let’s summarize: the Cavs would get the No. 2 pick in the draft (meaning they would be picking 1 & 2), they wouldn’t have to give up any players, and it would only cost them cash?

Why would they not make that trade?

As with any rumors originating from ESPN “sources,” it’s impossible to know how much truth there is to this.